Wheel Wobble - Check those bearings
01-03-2004, 01:22 PM
#16
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With an unloaded suspension I've yet to be able to get any free play from a good ball joint with both my hands let alone just the fingers on one hand.
I do admit that this is one way of finding bad ball joints and bushings.
Otherwise I'm with you 100 percent on the rest of the procedure.
I do admit that this is one way of finding bad ball joints and bushings.
Otherwise I'm with you 100 percent on the rest of the procedure.
01-03-2004, 01:45 PM
#17
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Hmmm...
Actually, the only method I've found reliable to find bad ball joints short of removing them from the spindle (ones that were not already coming completely apart!) was to use a pry bar between the arm and strut.
When doing a "bearing wiggle" at 6 and 12 (two hands), it is ENTIRELY common to get fooled by strut bushing wear. That's why I only use one hand at 12.
Actually, the only method I've found reliable to find bad ball joints short of removing them from the spindle (ones that were not already coming completely apart!) was to use a pry bar between the arm and strut.
When doing a "bearing wiggle" at 6 and 12 (two hands), it is ENTIRELY common to get fooled by strut bushing wear. That's why I only use one hand at 12.
01-03-2004, 03:51 PM
#18
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I've seen a few ball joints that were detectable by hand. It's a wonder that the car made it into the shop!
I'm not comfortable with the pry bar method. Even had the special designed tool for checking. If you have ever taken any ball joints apart, aluminum and steel, you will see a very hefty conical spring to keep the ball in the seat. There is some movement in the design. knowing what the allowable movement is and a dependable means of measuring is the most dependable means of checking.
I've cut apart what others have called bad ball joints to find they were hardly worn. But the bearings were loose!
I'm not comfortable with the pry bar method. Even had the special designed tool for checking. If you have ever taken any ball joints apart, aluminum and steel, you will see a very hefty conical spring to keep the ball in the seat. There is some movement in the design. knowing what the allowable movement is and a dependable means of measuring is the most dependable means of checking.
I've cut apart what others have called bad ball joints to find they were hardly worn. But the bearings were loose!